A house RESOLUTION

 

TO COMMEND FLAT CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH OF LANCASTER COUNTY FOR TWO AND A HALF CENTURIES OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY AND TO EXTEND WARMEST CONGRATULATIONS ON THE OCCASION OF THE CHURCH'S HISTORIC TWO HUNDRED FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY.

 

Whereas, having been organized on July 4, 1776, Flat Creek Baptist Church of Lancaster County will celebrate its historic two hundred fiftieth anniversary in 2026, thus sharing its venerable founding date and anniversary with those of our beloved country; and

 

Whereas, the fledgling church was first led by the Reverend George Pope, a native of Virginia and the church's organizer. Flat Creek Baptist held its first meetings in a brush arbor on its present site and was known as the Upper Fork of Lynches Creek until it was renamed Flat Creek Baptist Church in 1881; and

 

Whereas, Flat Creek's first permanent sanctuary, a log building, was replaced by a frame sanctuary that was lost to fire in 1912. The sanctuary was rebuilt in 1913 and rebuilt once again in 1943 under the leadership of Pastor L.W. Edwards. In addition, the church is blessed to have its own cemetery, a tranquil spot just across the road from the sanctuary; and

 

Whereas, located at the intersection of Old Jefferson Highway and Victory Road, this charming church is easy to spot by the historical marker on church property near the road. The marker, erected in 1997 by the Lancaster County Historical Commission, features a short history of Flat Creek Baptist; and

 

Whereas, standing on the shoulders of its early pastors and members, Flat Creek's congregation "press[es] toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14, KJV), continuing to preach and teach the Word of God under the Reverend Bart Miles's leadership as current pastor; and

 

Whereas, Flat Creek Baptist Church has been a beacon of light in Lancaster County for two hundred fifty years, and, God willing, will continue its godly heritage in many more years of worship and service. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, commend Flat Creek Baptist Church of Lancaster County for two and a half centuries of service to the community and extend warmest congratulations on the occasion of the church's historic two hundred fiftieth anniversary.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the Reverend Bart Miles for Flat Creek Baptist Church of Lancaster County.

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